Attention Deficit Disorder Symptoms: Insights and Understanding

Types of ADD/ADHD

As more research is carried out on attention deficit disorder (ADD), also called attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the diagnosis becomes more refined. In 2011, mental health professionals use two sets of criteria to make the diagnosis, which may include symptoms of one or the other, or both. The first set of criteria concerns inattention and the second hyperactivity-impulsivity. Your child may have a combined type, predominantly inattentive type, or predominately hyperactive-impulsive type of ADD/ADHD.

Inattention

In children, at least six of the following nine symptoms must have been present for at least six months to a degree inappropriate for their developmental level:

Difficulty with quiet time (bursts loudly and obnoxiously into song during bedtime routine)

On the go constantly (running around with the dog, then zooming through the house, then jumping on the bed…)

Runs, climbs, is on the go at inappropriate times or places (sitting on the back of the pew at church or standing on chairs at school)

Blurts out answers before questions are finished (“What’s the capital –“ “North Dakota! North Dakota!”)

Interrupts often and intrudes on others (breaks in on others’ conversations or when being spoken to, rudely tries to join a game already in progress)

Difficulty taking turns (not chosen as the goose in Duck, Duck, Goose but gets up to run around the circle anyway)

Isn’t This Normal Behavior?

While it’s true that all children display some of these characteristics at one time or another, the overriding factor is that the attention deficit disorder symptoms are present much more than usual and to a greater degree than appropriate for age or developmental level. You might expect a preschooler to have a five-minute attention span but not a kindergartener. By the time a child is 5 years old, he or she should be able to pay attention for 15 to 20 minutes. You may expect younger children to interrupt conversations, but a sixth-grader should be able to control that impulse.

Stress for Family and Child

Attention deficit disorder makes life challenging for children. They may be intelligent but not capable of earning good grades because they can’t focus on schoolwork. The hyperactive behavior of these children may make them unpopular with their classmates – and with teachers – earning them an unfavorable reputation as they advance through school. At home, other problems arise. Being overwhelmed by a messy room can lead to yelling and frustration for both parent and child, and fights may break out between siblings. A certain amount of this type of behavior is normal, but with an ADD/ADHD child, these kinds of incidents happen every day and often multiple times per day. The stress on the family dealing with this disorder can, in extreme circumstances come close to tearing it apart.

Often, children with attention deficit disorder symptoms know they are not behaving appropriately, especially with adults telling them so all the time. They may be distressed because no matter how much they try to pay attention and “be good,” they can’t – the deficit in the executive function of an ADD/ADHD brain makes it almost impossible for them to do so. These children do not understand why they cannot control their actions and impulses, and they are likely to believe the upheaval in the family and the problems at school are their fault. Many adults will believe that too, putting the behaviors down to laziness or defiance. The ultimate result is withdrawn, unhappy children with low to no self-esteem.

You Can Make a Difference

Understanding the symptoms of attention deficit disorder and why those symptoms occur are amongst the most important things you can do for your child. Understanding leads to patience, and patience is what your child needs. Knowing that his or her behavior is not deliberate and that neither of you is to blame frees you from the “bad parent” and “bad child” guilt. It allows you to consider the choices available to help you and your child live with this disorder. Whether you choose behavior therapy, medication, a combination of the two or another avenue altogether, you will almost certainly be giving your child a better chance at a happy and productive life.